Ozzy Osbourne Responds to Drummer Bill Ward: ‘Physically, You Know You Were F—ed’

On April 15, former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward wrote an open letter asking for, among other things, an apology from vocalist Ozzy Osbourne before he would consider rejoining the legendary metal band. Last night (April 16), Ozzy publicly responded to Ward, but the frontman didn't quite give the drummer the response he was hoping for.

In late 2011, the original Black Sabbath lineup announced a reunion, but only a few months later, Bill Ward bowed out. The drummer cited contractual issues as the reason for his leave, calling the paperwork offered to him "unsignable." Since then, Ozzy Osbourne has stated on multiple occasions that he'd love Ward to return. However, Ozzy also spoke of Ward's health, claiming the drummer was in no shape to perform two-hour shows while touring the world.

In response to Bill Ward's plea for an apology, Ozzy responded with a candid statement on his Facebook page:

I never wanted to discuss this in a public forum but Bill's statements left me no option to but to respond honestly.

Wow Bill,
What the f--- are you on about? I cannot apologize for comments or opinions I may have made about you in the press during Sabbath’s “13” album and tour-- physically, you knew you were f---ed. Tony, Geezer and myself didn’t think you could have done a two hour set with a drum solo every night, so we made the decision to move on. With Tony’s condition we felt that time was not on our side.
Bill, stop this smokescreen about an “unsignable contract” and let’s be honest. Deep down inside you knew you weren’t capable of doing the album and a 16 month tour. Unfortunately for you, our instincts were correct as you were in hospital several times during 2013. Your last hospitalization was for a shoulder surgery that you now say you’ve only just recovered from. This would have meant that our world tour would have been canceled. So how is all of this my fault? Stop playing the victim and be honest with yourself and our fans.
Bill, we go back a long way, let’s stop this now before it gets out of hand.
God bless you.
Love.
Ozzy

Black Sabbath recently pulled out of a "farewell" gig which was supposed to take place this year at Ozzfest Japan. Fans speculated that guitarist Tony Iommi's cancer battle had taken an ugly turn, but the legendary riff master reassured the public that he is doing fine.